Bobby Scheppske / WUFT

Richard Dixon, paraplegic cyclist

Paraplegic biker, Rich Dixon, left Gainesville Monday morning to continue his Florida bike tour.

Dixon traveled 30,000 miles around the country hand cycling, with his wife Becky and service dog Monty following him on his journeys. Dixon began hand cycling after a fall while hanging Christmas lights left Dixon paralyzed from the chest down more than a decade ago.

Dixon is raising awareness for Convoy of Hope, an organization that works to feed impoverished children around the world. His journey along trails and busy roads began in Jacksonville and has led him as far south as the Everglades. He is reaching the end of his trip in north central Florida. So far, he has logged more than 760 miles. On his hand cycling adventures, Dixon hosts public speaking events.

Dana Edwards wrote this story online.